Canadiens make moves

And Michael Blunden has been recalled from Hamilton, with Andreas Engqvist and Aaron Palushaj heading back to the AHL.

The team announcement:

Montreal Canadiens general manager, Pierre Gauthier, announced today the acquisition
of forward Petteri Nokelainen and defenseman Garrett Stafford from the Phoenix Coyotes, in return for forward Brock Trotter and a 7th-round draft pick in 2012.

Nokelainen will join the Canadiens in Montreal, while Stafford will report to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. Forward Michael Blunden has been recalled from the Bulldogs, while forwards Andreas Engqvist and Aaron Palushaj have been assigned to Hamilton.

Nokelainen, 25, registered one assist in five games with the Coyotes this season. He recorded three shots on goal, five hits and one blocked shot. The 6’01’’, 202 lbs centreman averaged 10 minutes, 58 seconds of ice time per game. In 194 NHLcareer games, Nokelainen has tallied 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists), with the New York Islanders, the Boston Bruins, the Anaheim Ducks and the Coyotes.

A native of Imatra, Finland, Nokelainen was drafted in the first round, 16th overall by the Islanders at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

In six games this season with the AHL Portland Pirates, Stafford, 31, collected four points (1 goal, 3 assists). In seven NHL career games with the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars and Coyotes, the 6’01’’, 207 lbs defenseman tallied two assists.

A native of Los Angeles, Stafford joined the Coyotes as a free agent on July 3, 2010. In 562 career games in the AHL, he has registered 317 points (83 goals, 234 assists) and served 452 penalty minutes.

Trotter played five games with the Bulldogs this season and registered seven points (2 goals, 5 assists). One of his goals was tallied on the powerplay. He served four penalty minutes and collected 10 shots on goal. Trotter played two games in career with the Canadiens in the NHL.
In five games with the Bulldogs this season Blunden collected three assists.

The 24-year old right winger maintained a +1 plus/minus differential and recorded three shots on goal. He suited up in 51 career regular season games in the NHL with Chicago and Columbus, registering four points (2-2-4). A native of Toronto, Blunden was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired from the Blue Jackets on July 7, 2011 in
return for Ryan Russell.

Engqvist suited up in seven games with the Canadiens this season. The 23-year old centreman maintained a +1 plus/minus differential, recorded one shot on goal, three hits and four blocked shots, while averaging 6:55 of ice time per game. Hailing from Stockholm, Engqvist signed with the Canadiens as a free agent on July 13, 2009.

Palushaj played four games with the Canadiens this season. The 22-year old right winger recorded two shots on goal and four hits, while averaging 5:47 of ice time per game. A native of Livonia, Wisconsin, Palushaj was acquired from the St. Louis Blues in return for Matt D’Agostini.

Jacques Martin had hinted hinted at a personnel move.

• • •

Does the name Garrett Stafford ring a bell?

The only guys on the ice after the team meeting: Jaro Spacek and Carey Price, who is at the top of the circle and roofing every shot.

Get him on the PP.

• • •

Peter Budaj may finally get a start – possibly against Florida Monday night, definitely in one of the games this week.

Martin said the Canadiens were doing some good things but had to tighten up certain areas, notably protecting a lead and improved special teams play.

Martin also recalled that his first season behind the Canadiens’ bench began with a 2-5 record for four points – which is where they’re at today.

The coach got off a good line. When Patrick V. Hickey pointed out the alacrity with which Dion Phaneuf reacted to Brian Gionta’s contact with James Reimer, Martin said: “It’s tough for me to ask Raphael Diaz to pick up David Steckel and throw him around.”